Boise’s Top 5 Brunch Spots for Galentine's Day Celebrations

Love is in the air, so why not celebrate the love you have for your gal pals? A Galentine's Day celebration 💕 is a great excuse to gather your gal pals and go out to brunch at one of these favorite Boise eateries.    1. Fork (Photo by: Doug Peterson Photography) Nothing says Idaho cuisine better than Fork’s menu, full of locally and regionally sourced ingredients. Their fare includes American staples like a hearty burger, tantalizing grilled cheese, and Idaho favorites like Rainbow Trout and the Northwest Filet. Located at the corner of 8th and Idaho in a historic bank building, the robust stone exterior gives way to a classic interior with giant arched windows along the perimeter. The bar itself is quite the centerpiece and photo-op backdrop. Their heated outdoor patio has a front-row seat to the happenings in the heart of downtown Boise. Their brunch menu really is why we love this place, full of delicious, wholesome, and quality foods that will be sure to keep you satiated. Our brunch picks: Chef’s Benny and the Build Your Own Mimosa Bar. Open: 11:30am-2pm Mon-Fri and 10:30am-2pm Sat & Sun for brunch View Website   2. Topelo Honey (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) This nationwide chain may not be local, but has made a beautiful impression here in Boise. Located atop the 8th and Main corridor, the gorgeously designed space has an ambience that’s uniquely southern boho with a soft color palette, hanging greenery, and elegant textiles. Ample windows flood the space with natural light, providing the perfect lighting for Instagram-worthy photos. The food complements the airy atmosphere with decadent flavors and stick-to-your-ribs goodness. Our brunch picks: Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Waffles, Tupelo Shrimp and Grits, and Tumeric Ginger Tonic. Open: 10am-4pm Sat & Sun for brunch View Website   3. Bacon (Photo by: Ophelia M/Yelp) The name says it all, this place knows how to make bacon. From chocolate-dipped bacon by the slice to stacked BLTs, everyone is sure to find something that satisfies their bacon cravings. Nestled in a quaint urban space with a fabulous courtyard patio in Downtown Boise, BACON is home to an expansive breakfast menu that is served all day. Come early or after the morning rush to secure your spot, it gets busy. The signature item that is featured in dozens of reviews is the Bacon Bloody, and yes, it is a must.  Our brunch picks: Bacon Bloody and Bacon LT. Open: 8am-2pm 7 days a week View Website   4. Goldy's Breakfast Bistro (Photo by: Ophelia M/Yelp) Jump onto Yelp and you’ll find that Goldy’s reigns Boise’s breakfast scene. If you plan to go on a weekend morning, be prepared for an hour-long wait. However, you can skip the morning rush just in time for brunch. This charming downtown bistro doesn’t have a fancy entrance, in fact, it’s like a hole in the wall that can easily be passed by. But that’s what makes it such a secret gem of Boise. Another reason? The blow of an hour-long wait can be softened by a mimosa and pastry next door at Goldy’s Corner, the cafe version of Goldy’s that has a relaxed atmosphere and board games to keep you occupied. The fun part is you can bring your drink with you to the restaurant. The interior itself is a simple and classic atmosphere, where the focus is on the quality of the food and service.  Our brunch picks: Spicy Chicken and Bacon Benny and a Sunrise Mimosa Open 7am-2pm Mon-Fri and 7:30am-2pm Sat & Sun View Website   5. Waffle Me Up (Photo by: Ophelia M/Yelp) If you’re looking for something on the faster and laidback side, look no further than Waffle Me Up. Serving up scrumptious Liege-style waffles topped with sweet or savory ingredients, this darling family-owned business is sure to please. What’s a Liege-style waffle? These waffles are made from a dough with whole sugar crystals, not batter, that gives them a dense & chewy texture with a hint of delightful sweetness. Located just a stone’s throw from the Capitol Building, the restaurant has a casual open atmosphere with colorful plates and family-style seating.  Our brunch picks: BOBacado Deluxe and Waffle Me Banana Open: 9am-2pm Thurs-Sun View Website

View more

Top Gyms in Boise and the Treasure Valley

Photo: Bruce Mars   Ready to kickstart your 2023 health goals but not sure which gym would be the best fit for your needs? We’ve compiled a list of the Top Gyms in Boise and the Treasure Valley that offer something for everyone. From convenience downtown to athletic training, there are many options to help you crush your goals this year. Best for Families: Treasure Valley YMCA (AKA The Y) Photo: Doug Petersen Photography   The Y is a Nonprofit organization that provides invaluable opportunities for many people. Their fitness facilities include pools, classes, and traditional gym spaces. What makes the Y a great option for families is the access for all age groups to the facilities and the programs they offer. These programs serve all in the community, including the underprivileged, by helping them lead stronger, healthier, and more enriched lives. These programs include after-school care, tutoring, and outdoor camps for youth enhancement. The best part? You can get a workout in while the kids have a swim lesson or participate in any of their after school programs or child care. Locations: There are multiple locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Check their website for addresses. Website: https://www.ymcatvidaho.org Best Commercial Gym: Axiom Fitness Photo: axiomfitness.com   With multiple gyms across the Treasure Valley, Axiom Fitness (formerly Gold’s Gym) is one of the area’s leading fitness facilities providing a full scope of amenities. Their gyms are large in size, offering plenty of space for all types of physical activity and a wide array of classes (access included with membership). Most of their locations have pools as well. Locations: There are multiple locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Check their website for addresses. Website: https://www.axiomfitness.com/ Best for Downtown Professionals: The Gym at Eighth & Main Photo: The Gym Eighth & Main   Are you part of the downtown Boise 9am-5pm crew that struggles to find time for the gym on top of a busy work schedule? The Gym is located on the corner of 8th and Main Street in the Zion’s Bank Building right in the heart of downtown. This convenient location makes it easy to squeeze in a workout, even on your lunch break! Their facility includes state-of-the-art locker rooms with eucalyptus steam rooms and showers for a quick refresh before heading to work. Location: 800 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702 on the Second Floor. They have a second location in Star. Website: https://www.eighthandmaingym.com/ Best for Martial Arts & Self Defense Training: SBG Idaho Photo: Daniil Zanevskiy   Jiu Jitsu, Martial Arts, boxing, and more! SBG Idaho is located on the corner of Americana and River Street in Boise and is the perfect gym for those that want to tap into self-defense, combat athletics and overall fitness! They offer children's programs from age 3+. Location: 1522 W River St, Boise, ID 83702 Website: https://sbgidaho.com/ Best for Athletic Training: Jack City Fitness Photo: jackcityfitness.com   Jack City Fitness is all about “building a better, stronger version of yourself.” No matter what your daily schedule consists of, Jack City Fitness focuses on fitness for anyone AND everyone to help individuals reach their body’s healthiest form. Check out the link below to view their fitness classes and personal training options. They are also open 24 hours. Location: 21 N Allumbaugh St, Boise, ID 83704 Website: https://jackcityfitness.com/ Best for CrossFit Training: Verdant CrossFit Photo: Alonso Reyes   If your goal for 2023 is to try high intensity interval training, this may be the place for you! Verdant specializes in CrossFit training, offering a large variety of simple body weight and free weight movements and advanced Olympic-style barbell lifting. Verdant is located in two different locations, one in downtown Boise, and the other in Star.  Location: 528 S Americana Blvd, Boise, ID 83702. Second location in Star. Website: https://verdantfit.com/ Best for Affordability & 24/7 Access: Idaho Fitness Factory Photo: idahofitnessfactory.com   Locally owned and operated, Idaho Fitness Factory provides plans as little as $20/month for unlimited access to their 24/7 gyms. There are 8 facilities throughout the Treasure Valley, making this one of the most affordable and accessible gym options. Location: There are 8 locations in the Treasure Valley. See website for addresses. Website: https://www.idahofitnessfactory.com/ Best for Staying Fit at Any Age: Fit Over 50 Fitness Photo: Sincerely Media   Locally owned and operated in downtown Eagle, Fit Over 50 Fitness is passionate about being fit and functional.. no matter what age you are! Fit Over 50 Fitness welcomes those of any age, and specifically specializes in a variety of group training and personal training sessions for individuals over the age of 50.  Location: 395 W State St Suite B, Eagle, ID 83616 Website: https://www.fitover50fitness.com/   Best for Outdoor Exercise: Ridge-to-Rivers Trails & The Boise River Greenbelt Photo: Doug Petersen Photography If you ask us, these two are the best gym options in town. Boise is one of the healthiest places to live because of our foothills and Greenbelt, giving locals and tourists plenty of opportunity to get fresh air and exercise year round. Hikers and bikers will love the miles and miles of groomed trails wandering through the hills. The ups and downs will get your heart rate up, and the views are simply spectacular. For a leisurely stroll or bike ride, 25-miles of paved path along the Boise River is available all year. It's the best place to enjoy the changing foliage throughout the seasons and a friendly wave to passersby.

View more

Winter Activities to Do in and Around Boise

Winter in Boise is a magical time. Pillowy snow-capped mountains are a picturesque sight behind the downtown skyline. Even with colder temperatures, Boise’s dormant season is anything but still. Half of Idaho’s outdoor recreation happens when the snow falls, drawing in thousands of visitors and locals to prized ski resorts like Sun Valley and ones closer to home like Bogus Basin for winter sports. Whether you’re already living in the area and looking for something new to try or planning a trip to Boise, there are many activities to enjoy alone or with the whole family. Outdoor Activities: Ski Resorts - Idaho has a long history with skiing, as one of its resorts is world-famous for having the first chairlift in 1936. Boise is conveniently positioned with multiple ski resorts located within a 3 hour drive, including the local resort, Bogus Basin.  (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho): Less than 45 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, winter tubing, snowshoe trails, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, convenient up and down access for quick day trips Average snowfall: 200” plus snowmaking on site Website Sun Valley (Ketchum, Idaho): About 3 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 196” plus snowmaking on site Website Tamarack (Donnelly, Idaho): About 2 hours 14 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, charming village atmosphere Average snowfall: 300”  Website Brundage: About 2.5 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 320” Website   Ice Fishing - The bold are aptly rewarded with a bounty when brave (and prepared) enough to go ice fishing. With several large lakes and reservoirs surrounding the area, there is plenty of opportunity to cast a line and reel them in. Lake Cascade Horsethief Resevoir    Sledding - Boise averages 20” of snowfall per year. Not a lot, but enough to have fun. Here are a few spots that locals go to for sledding on big snow days. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Simplot’s Hill Camel’s Back Park Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve Bogus Basin Resort tubing hill ($) Eagle Island State Park tubing hill ($) Steamboat Gulch near Idaho City ($)   Hiking/Snowshoeing/Fat Tire Mountain Biking - The Boise foothills offer hundreds of acres of unspoiled land with maintained trails in the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system that are used year round. These trails meander through gulches, ridges, and right next to the downtown core for a beautiful perspective of the area in winter. Know before you go, check trail conditions on the Ridge-to-Rivers Facebook page for daily updates. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson)     Boise Greenbelt: The 25-mile paved pedestrian/bike trail along both sides of the Boise River is shoveled and de-iced during the winter months for year-round use. The bare trees allow for better views of the river and with less overall traffic, makes this the perfect place to enjoy a calm and peaceful sunny winter day stroll.   McCall Winter Carnival: A beloved tradition, this multi-day carnival draws in thousands of people to McCall, a small mountain town about 2.5 hours from Boise. Featuring world-famous ice sculptures, the carnival also includes parades, dog sled racing, pancake breakfasts, live music, wine dinners, and more. Dates: January 27-February 5 Website   Take a Dip in Hot Springs: There’s nothing quite like soaking in a warm pool of geothermal water on a chilly winter day. Idaho is home to dozens of natural and man-made hot springs in beautiful mountain settings. Some are an easy drive and park, while a few of the best ones require a little work for the reward. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Man-Made Pools The Springs Resort in Idaho City ($) Large man-made geothermal pools with reservable private pools. Better to book ahead of time as this is a popular spot for locals. Burgdorf Resort in McCall ($) Another popular getaway for locals in the Treasure Valley, this majestic and rustic resort has man-made geothermal pools and is only accessible by snowmobile in the winter months. Boatbox Hot Springs in Stanley A quintessential “Idaho” experience, this spring is just an above-ground tub nestled along the Salmon River that has a little bucket to add in cold river water to temper the piping hot water.  Natural Hot Springs Pine Flats near Garden Valley ($) Various pools are scattered along a rocky hillside overlooking the Payette River. Keep exploring and you’ll find an incredible pool with a waterfall. It’s like a warm outdoor shower. Kirkham in Lowman ($) One of the closest hot springs to Boise, this area is very popular and can get busy in peak months. Early fall and winter are great times to enjoy these springs without the crowds. Bonneville in Lowman ($) Various pools are situated where hot natural spring water flows into the Warm Springs creek, creating a unique hot/cool sensation. These pools are a short and relatively flat hike from the parking lot. Stay at the campground overnight and bring a headlamp, it's another world soaking in the springs underneath a canopy of stars. This area is next to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is mitigated offering an extraordinarily clear sky to view the cosmos. Goldbug near Salmon  These steamy pools are an epic reward after hiking 2-miles and up 1,350 feet. The trek may be difficult, but the views are easy to enjoy. Overlooking rolling hills and massive rock cliffs, these pools are one of Idaho’s most treasured (and Instagrammable) spots. See our favorites here!   See Christmas Light Displays: The holidays are just around the corner and many neighborhoods come alive after dark with vibrant colors and light.  Check out a handy map of the area’s best displays here Idaho Botanical Garden Winter Garden Aglow     Indoor Activities: Go to a Steelheads Hockey Game: Boise is home to the Idaho Steelheads, a semi-pro hockey team that hits the rink at the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena in the Grove. Fun for the whole family, games are full of energy with many traditions to partake in (including flying fish!). Get tickets here.   Visit a Museum: There are several museums that tell the story of Idaho’s History, display fine arts, and even let you play scientist and get a little messy. Here’s a list of Boise and nearby places to learn a thing or two while getting out of the cold. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Boise Art Museum Idaho State Museum Discovery Center of Idaho Warhawk Air Museum Boise Train Depot Museum of Mining and Geology Children’s Museum of Idaho   Go to the Aquarium: It may be smaller than other big city waterworlds, but packs a big punch. The Aquarium of Boise is a fun and unexpectedly rich experience with touch pools, birds, and reptiles. Website   Shop at a Holiday Market: Various pop-up holiday markets throughout town offer unique and beautiful gifts for those on your shopping list that support local merchants and craft makers.  Wintry Market (November 18-19) Merry Makers Market (November 27-December 23) El Korah Holiday Show (November 19-20) Eagle Holiday Bazaar (November 5-6) Canyon County Christmas Show (November 18-20) Boise Christmas Show (December 1-4)   Pop Up Park at Edward’s Greenhouse: Nothing beats the winter blues like a little (or a lot) of greenery. Located in Boise’s North End, Edward’s Greenhouse hosts indoor pop-up parks and yoga in their greenhouses for families to enjoy an indoor warm park-like atmosphere in the colder winter months. Website    Go to a Boise State Basketball Game: Boise State Athletics are not just about football. The men’s basketball team has a winning record in the Mountain West Conference and take the court at Extramile Arena.  Get tickets here   Watch the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center: A Christmas pastime, the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center is an elegant display of artistry and wonder. A great activity that is full of the holiday spirit and magic. Buy tickets here   Watch a Classic Movie at the Egyptian Theater:  One of Boise’s most cherished landmarks, the Egyptian Theater sits at the heart of downtown a stone’s throw from the Capitol Building. Established in 1927, the theater is a warm, welcoming, and beautifully restored space to enjoy a calm evening out of the elements. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Movie Schedule   Want more information on life in Boise? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Guide!

View more